Lincoln’s first compact SUV goes on sale next summer as the battled luxury brand takes a second swipe at the Germans. The 2015 MKC starts at $33,995 for front-wheel-drive models and $36,490 for all-wheel-drive versions.

Three trims are available: Premiere (base), Select ($37,225), and Reserve ($40,930). All come standard with front-wheel drive; optional all-wheel drive and active dampers are paired together for $2495 extra.

While the 2013 MKZ sedan’s launch was delayed by months—and when it did launch, we weren’t very impressed—the MKC promises to deliver more from the Escape platform it’s based upon. To that end, the MKC comes standard with xenon headlamps, a backup camera, heated seats, and push-button start, which are all options on the BMW X3 xDrive28i, the Mercedes-Benz GLK250 BlueTec , and the Audi Q5 2.0T. But since all-wheel drive is standard fare on the Bavarians, the MKC AWD’s price difference—ranging from $1705 less costly than the Q5 to $4235 more parsimonious than the X3—isn’t as radical as it seems.

Some minor equipment is amiss on the MKC that’s standard on some of the German SUVs, such as a power-tilt/telescope steering wheel, a garage-door opener, rain-sensing wipers, and paddle shifters. The base Lincoln crossover also has a limited four-way power passenger’s seat, where competitors come with at least eight. But like the Q5, real leather is standard on the MKC. The Lincoln also matches the Mercedes on active safety equipment, including an auto-parking feature, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and front parking sensors for $2295. Those features are only available on Reserve models. Every other conceivable luxury convenience in this segment, including navigation, a panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, cooled front seats, and 20-inch wheels, are available.

As far as power goes, the base 2.0-liter 240-hp turbocharged inline-four is well up to par. The 2.3-liter 275-hp turbo—detuned from the four-pot found in the 2015 Mustang and an $1140 option on all trims—may be enough to sway people who want a V-6. Ford did not cite any EPA fuel-economy estimates, but because the MKC is considerably heavier than the Escape and doesn’t use the seven- and eight-speed automatics found in competitors, we’d expect slightly worse performance versus the Escape’s 21 mpg city/28 mpg highway rating with the 2.0-liter engine. The diesel-powered GLK250 is the segment’s mileage champ, at 24 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.

Inside, Ford restored buttons and knobs to its maligned MyLincoln Touch system, although the fan mode is only accessible within the eight-inch touch screen. A smartphone app can send live traffic updates and destinations to the navigation system, locate the car on a map, and call Lincoln’s dedicated technical-support hotline if you aren’t into reading manuals. The service is free, but unlike more advanced satellite telematics systems such as OnStar, it can neither send locking signals remotely nor provide a hotel-like concierge for all your desires, which is at odds against Lincoln’s own advertisements.